ONE in four Middlesbrough 11 year olds are failing to reach the required standard in English and maths, latest figures have shown.

Key Stage 2 test results published by the Government show 74% of youngsters in Middlesbrough reached the expected level 4 in English compared with 77% last year, and 73% achieved it in maths, down from 79%.

Nationally 81% achieved the expected level in English and 80% did so in maths.

Education bosses have warned against comparisons with 2010 Key Stage 2 tests for 11-year-olds due to last year’s SATs boycott.

Some schools have asked for writing papers to be re-marked.

Across Teesside there was a mixed picture in the Key Stage 2 results, but achievement by 14-year-olds at Key Stage 3 has risen.

In Middlesbrough test results have also shown 79% of 11-year-olds achieved the expected level 4 in reading, compared with 81% last year; and 68% in writing, equal to 2010.

In Stockton the test results have shown 83% achieved the expected level in English down 1%; 86% in reading - a fall of 1%; 76% in writing, no change, and 85% in maths, a 2% fall.

The Government did not publish test results for Redcar and Cleveland last year because of the boycott.

This year’s results show level 4 was achieved by 79% in English; 81% in reading; 72% in writing, and 81% in maths.

In Middlesbrough, teacher assessment results for 14-year-olds rose with 76% achieving the expected level 5 or above in English; 75% in maths, and 76% in science.

Stockton’s results for 14-year-olds have revealed an improvement in English and science up to 82% in both; and in maths 81% was maintained.

In Redcar and Cleveland there was also an improvement in English and science, with 85% and 84% achieving the expected level respectively, while 82% was achieved again in maths.

A Middlesbrough Council spokesman said: “The results for Middlesbrough pupils this year are comparable to the impressive outcomes achieved in 2009.”

But he added comparison with 2010 was unfair due to the boycott.

Councillor Ann McCoy, Stockton Council’s cabinet member for children and young people, said Key Stage 2 results had improved since 2009, and Key Stage 3 results had also risen since last year.

The council expects writing results to rise after re-marking. Redcar and Cleveland Council was unable to comment.